Archeologists in Brazil find imperial objects

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Archeologists in Rio de Janeiro say they've unearthed more than 200,000 pieces dating back to the 17th century on land used for the Rio de Janeiro subway expansion, including the remains of an ivory toothbrush believed to have belonged to the emperor of Brazil Dom Pedro II or another member of the imperial family.

The ivory handle has little holes once stuffed with boars' hair bristles and is inscribed with "His Majesty, the Emperor of Brazil," in French. It's among dozens of items bearing the names or titles of Brazil's royal family, including a jar once containing the queen's toothpaste.

The objects were unearthed land near the former imperial palace in northern Rio thought to have been used as the family's landfill. It's currently being used in Rio's Metro expansion.